The California U.S. Senate race’s first post-debate poll shows the candidates in a statistical dead heat, with Republican challenger Carly Fiorina at 48 percent and incumbent Democrat U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer at 47 percent.

Rasmussen notes the numbers show a slight shift from two weeks ago, when Boxer lead Fiorina 49 percent to 44 percent. The organization continues to regard the race as a toss-up.

The poll found 74 percent of Fiorina voters are already certain of how they will vote this November, as are 69 percent of those who support Boxer. Fiorina is backed by 91 percent of Republicans, while Boxer draws support from 86 percent of Democrats; Fiorina holds a slight edge among voters not affiliated with either major political party.

Boxer’s favorability is at 48 percent (of which 20 percent sees her very favorably) while 50 percent see her unfavorably (of which 41 percent see her very unfavorably); Fiorina’s favorability is at 55 percent (of which 17 percent see her very favorably) while 37 percent see her unfavorably (of which 25 percent see her very unfavorably).

Californians are sour on the economy – not good news for Boxer, the incumbent seeking a fourth term – as 62 percent describe it as poor, a slightly more negative assessment than results found nationally; 23 percent say the economy is improving, 40 percent say things are getting worse.

Folks are starting to get it: “It’s the economy, stupid!”. Boxer has 18 years of supporting job-killing programs/regulations…and come election day, people will vote their pocket books.

Audios, Babs…and good rid dens!

Stephen B

I find it amazing that Boxer abhors exporting jobs overseas while supporting legislation like Cap and Trade that taxes domestic business. Barbara, excuse me, Setator by creating a competitive disadvantage to American business you are sending our business and its jobs overseas. Califonians if you have built a career and are not on the public dole you should be very concerned about your future. Senator Boxer has cleverly placed a target on you and your job.

Carly’s Got My Vote

Boxer has been in Congress too long and her meager record isn’t strong enough to support another term. The debate seems to have been the deciding factor for many independents. It’s clear Carly is better qualified for the job.

Fiorina has an incredible understanding of the business environment. She has the potential to help people understand how economies flourish, how jobs are created, how families are able to support themselves as a result of those opportunities and how individual wealth is generated in the long run (wealth is not a bad word). She has the leadership qualities that can help educate bureaucrats and citizens who think that taxing and spending is requisite for prosperity (a concept proven wrong by our loss of competitiveness globally). And her optimistic approach to these forgotten tenets afforded ALL U.S. citizens, not just the rich as Boxer would have you believe, is a breath of fresh air!

Any candidate different from Boxer this election cycle is fine by me. However, I’m thrilled to know that Fiorina has functional gray matter between her ears!! She brings smarts, optimism, energy, experience in the private sector and new ideas to help move us forward. We need to regain some sanity in Congress (and in California) and I believe Carly has the potential to table many key concerns effectively. She’ll get my vote.